The role of early cerebral edema and hematoma assessment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) in predicting early brain injury (EBI) and cognitive impairment: a case controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Early assessment and management of cerebral edema and hematoma following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) can significantly impact clinical cognitive outcomes. However, current clinical practices lack predictive models to identify early structural brain abnormalities affecting cognition. To address this gap, the authors propose the development of a predictive model termed the a-SAH Early Brain Edema/Hematoma Compression Neural (Structural Brain) Networks Score System (SEBE-HCNNSS). METHODS: In this study, 202 consecutive patients with spontaneous a-SAH underwent initial computed tomography (CT) or MRI scans within 24 h of ictus with follow-up 2 months after discharge. Using logistic regression analysis (univariate and multivariate), the authors evaluated the association of clinically relevant factors and various traditional scale ratings with cognitive impairment (CI). Risk factors with the highest area under the curve (AUC) values were included in the multivariate analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis or Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were enrolled in the study, and 43 patients were classified with a high SEBE-HCNNSS grade (3-5). After a mean follow-up of 2 months, 121 individuals (68.36%) with a-SAH and three control subjects developed incident CI. The CT interobserver reliability of the SEBE-HCNNSS scale was high, with a Kappa value of 1. Furthermore, ROC analysis identified the SEBE-HCNNSS scale (OR 3.322, 95% CI: 2.312-7.237, P =0.00025) as an independent predictor of edema, CI, and unfavorable prognosis. These results were also replicated in a validation cohort. CONCLUSION: Overall, the SEBE-HCNNSS scale represents a simple assessment tool with promising predictive value for CI and clinical outcomes post-a-SAH. Our findings indicate its practical utility as a prognostic instrument for risk evaluation after a-SAH, potentially facilitating early intervention and treatment.

The diagnostic significance of cerebrospinal fluid cytology and circulating tumor DNA in meningeal carcinomatosis.

Objective: The objective of this research is to investigate the clinical application value of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) meningeal metastasis-meningeal carcinomatosis (MC), and to further explore the possible molecular mechanisms and drug treatment targets of LUAD meningeal metastasis by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed LUAD with MC in 52 patients. CSF cytology was carried out using the slide centrifugation precipitation method and May-Grüwald-Giemsa (MGG) staining. Tumor tissue, plasma and CSF ctDNA of some MC patients were detected by NGS. Results: Of the 52 MC patients, 46 (88.46%) were positive for CSF cytology and 34 (65.38%) were positive for imaging, with statistically significant differences in diagnostic positivity (P < 0.05). In 32 of these patients, CSF cytology, cerebrospinal fluid ctDNA, plasma ctDNA and MRI examination were performed simultaneously, and the positive rates were 84.38, 100, 56.25, and 62.50% respectively, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Analysis of the NGS profiles of tumor tissues, plasma and CSF of 12 MC patients: the mutated gene with the highest detection rate was epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the detection rate were 100, 58.33, and 100% respectively in tumor tissues, plasma and CSF, and there were 6 cases of concordance between plasma and tissue EGFR mutation sites, with a concordance rate of 50.00%, and 12 cases of concordance between CSF and tissue EGFR mutation sites, with a concordance rate of 100%. In addition, mutations not found in tissue or plasma were detected in CSF: FH mutation, SETD2 mutation, WT1 mutation, CDKN2A mutation, CDKN2B mutation, and multiple copy number variants (CNV), with the most detected being CDKN2A mutation and MET amplification. Conclusion: CSF cytology is more sensitive than traditional imaging in the diagnosis of meningeal carcinomatosis and has significant advantages in the early screening and diagnosis of MC patients. CSF ctDNA can be used as a complementary diagnostic method to negative results of CSF cytology and MRI, and CSF ctDNA can be used as an important method for liquid biopsy of patients with MC, which has important clinical significance in revealing the possible molecular mechanisms and drug treatment targets of meningeal metastasis of LUAD.

Collision carcinoma of the rectum involving neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Collision carcinoma is a rare histological pattern, and includes two or more different types of tumors coexisting in the same organ as one neoplasm. Different to the combined type, the two adjacent tumors of collision carcinoma are histologically distinct. Collision carcinoma may occur from any origin or organ, including the cecum, liver, cervix, thyroid, stomach, kidney, and esophagus. In the rectum, adenocarcinoma is the most common pathological type, the combined type is rare, and collision tumors are even rarer. To date, only a limited number of collision carcinoma cases originating from the rectum have been reported. Due to the scarcity of rectal collision carcinoma, more cases need to be reported to fully understand the clinico-pathological features and biological behavior of the tumor. CASE SUMMARY: Here we report a 40-year-old female who presented with the chief complaints of persistent changes in bowel habits and hematochezia for 10 d. She underwent Miles' operation which revealed a collision carcinoma of the rectum, showing a "side by side" pattern, composed of a high grade neuroendocrine carcinoma, (small cell carcinoma) and moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, based on its clinico-pathological features and biological behavior. The patient remained disease-free at 12 mo follow-up. We also focused on the related literature and expert opinion. CONCLUSION: Collision carcinoma is a rare tumor with ambiguous biological behavior. Greater attention should be paid to its clinico-pathologic diagnosis. Regular and adequate follow-up is essential to help rule out metastasis and assess the prognosis.

[microRNA-1 gene delivery mediated by exosomes suppresses CAL-27 cell proliferation].

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to construct endogenous exosomes abundantly loaded with miR-1 and investigate the role of exosome-mediated microRNA-1 (miR-1) delivery on CAL-27 cell proliferation. METHODS: Exosomes secreted by miR-1-overexpressing HEK293 cells (miR1-EXO) were purified via ultracentrifugation and subjected to transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle analysis, Western blot analysis, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). CAL-27 cells were cocultured with exosomes secreted by HEK293 cells (CON-EXO) and miR1-EXO and equivalent phosphate buffer saline. The intracellular transport of exosomes was measured by using immunofluorescence, the expression of miR-1 and its target gene MET were investigated via qPCR, CAL-27 cell proliferation was measured through MTT assay, and cell cycle state was determined by applying flow cytometry. RESULTS: Electron microscopy revealed that miR1-EXO and CON-EXO were spherical or cup-shaped with an average diameter of approximately 110 nm. The well-known exosome markers CD9, Tsg101, and Alix were enriched. The expression of miR-1 in miR1-EXO was higher than that in CON-EXO (285.80±14.33 vs 1.00±0.06, P<0.000 1). After coculture with CAL-27 cells, miR1-EXO was internalized and unloaded miR-1 into CAL-27 cells. After coculture with miR1-EXO, the expression of miR-1 in CAL-27 cells was upregulated, whereas that of MET, the target gene of miR-1, was suppressed and the proliferation of CAL-27 cells was inhibited significantly. Normal oral keratinocyte cell proliferation was negligibly affected after coculture with miR1-EXO. CONCLUSIONS: Exosomes secreted from miR1-EXO cells could load abundant miR-1. Exosomal miR-1 delivered into CAL-27 cells by using miR1-EXO suppressed the expression of MET mRNA and inhibited cell proliferation.

4-Methoxydalbergione is a potent inhibitor of human astroglioma U87 cells in vitro and in vivo.

Astroglioma is the most common primary tumor in the central nervous system without effective treatment strategies. Temozolomide (TMZ) is a chemotherapeutic drug to treat astroglioma but exhibits low potency and has side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new compounds to treat astroglioma. Dalbergia sissoo Roxb was the source of Dalbergia odorifera in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been clinically used as an anti-tumor medicine. 4-Methoxydalbergione (4MOD) is purified from Dalbergia sissoo Roxb., and shows an inhibitory effect on osteosarcoma, but its effects on astroglioma have not been reported. Here, we evaluate its anti-astroglioma effects on both in vitro and in vivo models. In cultured astroglioma U87 cells, 4MOD inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Compared with TMZ, 4MOD exhibited a tenfold greater potency of anti-astroglioma effects. 4MOD effectively stalled the cell cycle in G2 phase. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) showed that 4MOD upregulated 158 genes and downregulated 204 genes that are mainly enriched in cell membrane, cell division, cell cycle, p53, TNF, and MAPK signaling pathways, which may underlie its anti-tumor mechanisms. In a nude mouse xenograft model transplanted with U87 cells, 10 mg/kg 4MOD slowed down tumor growth rate, while at 30 mg/kg dose, it reduced tumor size. Collectively, this study demonstrates that 4MOD is a potent native compound that remarkably inhibits U87 astroglioma growth in both in vitro and in vivo models.

Spermatocytic tumor: A rare case report.

BACKGROUND: Spermatocytic tumor is a rare, malignant neoplasm of the testes. Since the prognosis for this tumor type is favorable, accurate diagnosis and differentiation from other malignant testicular neoplasms (classic seminoma and lymphoma) are crucial. To add to the existing literature on the diagnosis of spermatocytic tumor, herein we report the detailed clinical and histopathologic findings for a case that we encountered. CASE SUMMARY: A 60-year-old Chinese man presented with a solid mass in the right scrotum. The mass was surgically removed and spermatocytic tumor was diagnosed. On microscopy, the tumor cells displayed an unusual arrangement in lobules, presenting a pseudo-glandular appearance. To summarize and compare the diagnostic features of this tumor and those of the differential diagnoses, we report our case findings and those mentioned in the literature for various testicular tumors. Although imaging methods can detect masses early in development, their diagnostic capabilities are limited. Biopsy, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry are necessary for confirmatory diagnosis. CONCLUSION: It is important to identify and review the key diagnostic features of spermatocytic tumor.

ANP reduced Hedgehog signaling-mediated activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in gastric cancer cell line MGC-803.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer is the most common malignant tumor. Most patients suffering from gastric cancer die of metastasis. The role of Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in inhibiting and eliminating kinds of cancer cells has been reported. Aberrant activation of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway contributes to initiation and progression of various malignancies. We have previously reported that the inhibitor of Hh, cyclopamine, reduces the metastatic activity of MGC-803 via inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9. It remains to be further demonstrated that ANP has the suppressive effects on invasion and metastasis in gastric cancer via Hh-mediated MMP-9 production. METHODS: Transwell, western blot, qRT-PCR were used after application of ANP on MGC-803 gastric cancer cells to determine the levels of cell migration and invasion, protein levels of MMP-9 and Hh, as well as mRNAs of MMP-9 and Hh, respectively. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that the migration and invasion were significantly lower, MMP-9 and Hh as well as their mRNAs were lower as well, in ANP-treated MGC-803 gastric cancer cells than those in control. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of MMP-9 induced by aberrant activation of Hh in MGC-803 was inhibited by ANP, which may contribute to the inhibition of cell migration and invasion. These results suggested the potential of ANP to be used in gastric cancer therapy as an inhibitor targetting Hh signaling pathway to inhibit the proliferation as well as invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer.

Ultrastructure of gap junction and Cx43 expression in gastric cancer tissues of the patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gap junctions are intercellular channels formed by connexin facilitating communication between cells by allowing transfer of ions and small signaling molecules. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitous connexin in human tissues. Ample evidence suggests the role of gap junction and its connexins such as connexin 43 in human cancers including gastric cancer, which has an important place in the worldwide incidence of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Due to a number of contradictory studies and insufficient detailed examination in specific cancers, such as gastric cancer, more data on the role of gap junctions and their connexins such as Cx43 involved in gastric cancer remain necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Transmission electron microscopy, Western blotting and RT-PCR were used to show the ultrastructure damage of the gap junction in the gastric carcinoma tissue as well as the expression of Cx43 protein and mRNA, respectively. RESULTS: Ultrastructure damage of the gap junction in gastric carcinoma tissue was shown while poorly differentiated tissue experienced greater damage. The expression of Cx43 protein and mRNA was higher in healthy gastric tissue than in carcinomatous gastric tissue (p < 0.05). There was higher expression of Cx43 protein and mRNA in high-medium differentiation than in poor differentiation (p < 0.05). Cx43 protein and mRNA expression is not statistically significant for different ages and sex (such as for > 56 and ≤ 56 years) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrastructural changes of gap junctions with abnormal Cx43 expression are associated with occurrence and development of gastric cancer, which provides a new research direction for gastric cancer pathogenesis and targeted therapy.

The urinary levels of CTX-II, C2C, PYD, and Helix-II increased among adults with KBD: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic osteoarthropathy, and its pathogenesis is still not entirely clear. Pathologically, many KBD changes are similar to those of osteoarthritis (OA). Therefore, this study aimed to identify changes in the levels of potential urinary biomarkers for OA, including C-telopeptide of type II collagen (uCTX-II), type II collagen cleavage neoepitope (uC2C), pyridinoline (uPYD), and uHelix-II, among adults with KBD. METHODS: Urinary samples of 83 external control (EC) subjects, 91 KBD patients, and 86 internal control (IC) subjects were tested by ELISA after the subjects completed a questionnaire and X-ray examination. RESULTS: The medians of the four markers in the KBD group were higher than those in the EC group and those in the IC group. The medians in the grade II KBD group were higher than those in the grade I group but were not statistically significant (P = 0.301, P = 0.408, P = 0.204, and P = 0.898 for uCTX-II, uC2C, uPYD, and uHelix-II, respectively). The area under the curve (AUC) of uCTX-II (0.775) was higher than that of the others (0.672, 0.639, and 0.628 for uC2C, uPYD, and uHelix-II, respectively). CONCLUSION: The levels of uCTX-II, uC2C, uPYD, and uHelix-II were elevated in adults with KBD and showed an increasing trend as the severity of KBD increased. The prediction accuracy of uCTX-II was more useful than that of the others for assisting in the diagnosis of KBD.

Abl interactor 1: A novel biomarker for osteoporosis in Chinese elderly men.

Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a high-risk factor of osteoporosis (OP) and osteoporotic fracture (OF). Peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) can give birth to osteoclasts to resorb bone. Herein, we attempted to identify OP susceptible proteins in human PBM and characterize their functions in bone. Employing the label-free quantitative proteomics methodology (Easy-nLC1000 and Q-exactive) and traditional Western Blotting (WB), we discovered and validated that a key protein, i.e. Abl Interactor 1(ABI1), was significantly down-regulated in PBM in Chinese elderly men with extremely low vs. high BMD (n = 18, p < .05), as well as in OF patients vs. non-fractured (NF) subjects (n = 36, p < .05). The above down-regulation tendency was also observed in Chinese elderly women (n = 51, P < .05). For translational purpose, plasma ABI1 protein was assessed by ELISA in Chinese elderly men, which was found significantly down-regulated in OF (n = 20) vs. NF (n = 64) subjects (Mean: 0.41 vs. 1.03 ng/ml, FC = 0.39, p = .039), as well as in low (n = 32) vs. high (n = 32) BMD subjects (Mean: 0.5 vs. 1.57 ng/ml, FC = 0.32,p = .0012). ROC analyses in another independent study sample (n = 75) showed that the plasma ABI1 protein has superior performance in discriminating osteopenia and healthy subjects (AUC = 0.755, 95% CI: 0.632-0.877, p = .001). Follow-up cellular functional studies revealed that ABI1 protein significantly promoted osteoblast growth (optimal concentration 2.0 ng/ml), osteoblastic gene expression (OPN, ALP, COL1A1, p < .05) and osteoblast differentiation.ABI1 protein also significantly attenuated monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation and activity. In conclusion, ABI1 is a novel protein biomarker for OP in Chinese elderly. ABI1 protein, via promoting osteoblast growth, differentiation and activity, and attenuating monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation, influences BMD variation and fracture risk in humans. SIGNIFICANCE: Previous plentiful studies indicated that protein ABI1 played an essential role in the progression of several malignancies, including hepatoma, colon cancer and epithelial ovarian cancer. However, there was relatively limited understandings regarding its molecular and cellular functions relevant to bone phenotypes. Employing the label-free quantitative proteomics methodology (Easy-nLC1000 and Q-exactive) and traditional Western Blotting (WB), we discovered and validated that ABI1 was significantly down-regulated in PBM in Chinese elderly men with extremely low BMD as well as in OF patients. The down-regulation trend was consistent in plasma samples in Chinese elderly men. Follow-up cellular functional studies revealed that, on the one hand, ABI1 protein significantly promoted osteoblast growth, osteoblastic gene expression and osteoblast differentiation; on the other hand, it also significantly attenuated monocyte trans-endothelial migration and osteoclast differentiation and activity. It suggested that ABI1 is a promising biomarker with translational value.

Correlation between clinic, cumulative, 24h-ambulatory systolic blood pressure, and chronic kidney damage in Chinese elderly.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether clinic, cumulative, and 24h ambulatory systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with chronic kidney damage, defind as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/(min·1.73 m2) and/or microalbuminuria ≥30 mg/L, and, if so, which measurement of SBP is more associated with chronic kidney damage in Chinese elderly. A total of 1207 participants older than 60 years old were included in the final analysis. Clinical blood pressure, cumulative blood pressure exposure was calculated and ambulatory 24h blood pressure was assessed. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the clinic (p < .001), cumulative (p = .033), 24h average (p < .001), daytime (p = .001) and nighttime SBP (p = .001) were respectively associated with lower eGFR, and cumulative (p = .008), 24 average (p < .001), daytime (p < .001), and nighttime SBP (p < .001) were the risk factors of microalbuminuria. The degree of correlation were strongest between 24h average SBP and chronic kidney damage (odds ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-2.15; p < .001), clinic SBP and eGFR (odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-2.17; p = .007), nighttime SBP and microalbuminuria (odds ratio, 1.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.00; p = .024). The likelihood ratio test demonstrated that the introduction of 24h average SBP will improve the goodness of fit of the clinic SBP model(p < .05), while the introduction of cumulative SBP exposure has no such effect(p > .05). Cumulative SBP exposure seems inferior to other measurement in indentifying chronic kidney damage, including decreased GFR and microalbuminuria.

[Expression of cytokeratin 19 in the development and progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma].

PURPOSE: To investigate the expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) in various stages of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to explore the relation between CK19 and OSCC. METHODS: Forty-nine specimens including normal oral mucosa, epithelial hyperplasia, epithelial dysplasia, and oral squamous carcinoma were investigated. The expression of CK19 was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The serum of OSCC patients and healthy people was collected and CYFRA21-1 level was determined by ELISA. SPSS17.0 software package was used for data elevated. RESULTS: CK19 was detectable in suprabasal cell layers in epithelia dysplasia and in oral cancer, especially in poorly-differentiated cancerous cells. With epithelia dysplasia becoming worse, the positive rate and the intensity of CKI9 raised significantly. CYKA21-1 in OSCC was significantly higher than that in normal control group(P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: CK19 overexpression is an early event in the process of oral mucosal canceration. Its abnormal expression can be used as one of the reliable indexes of early diagnosis of OSCC.

[The molecular mechanism of interaction of trivalent dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)) binding to rat hemoglobin].

In our previous work, we found that trivalent dimethylarsinous acid (DMA(III)) have high affinity binding to cysteine residue 13 of rat hemoglobin. However, it is still unknown why arsenic intermediate metabolite DMA(III) has high binding affinity for Cysl3 but not for other cysteine residues 93, 140, 111 and 125. In order to better understand the molecular mechanism of DMA(III) with rat hemoglobin, we have done current study. So, SD rats were divided into control and arsenic-treated groups randomly. Arsenic species in lysate of red blood cells were analyzed by HPLC-ICP-MS, and then determined by a hybrid quadrupole TOF MS. In addition, trivalent DMA(III) binds to different cysteine residues in rat hemoglobin alpha and beta chains were also simulated by Molecular Docking. Only Cys13 in alpha chain is able to bind to DMA(III) from the experiment results. Cys13 of alpha chain in rat hemoglobin is a specific binding site for DMA(III), and we found that amino acids compose pockets structure and surround Cys13 (but not other cysteine residues), make DMA(III) much easy to bind cysteine 13. Taken together, the DMA(III) specific binding to Cys13 is related to spatial structure of Cys13.

[Expression of connexin 43 in tongue carcinogenesis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in various stages of oral carcinogenesis and explore the relation between Cx43 and oral mucous carcinogenesis. METHODS: 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4NQO) was used for inducing oral carcinogenesis in SD rats. Tissue samples were obtained from various stages of the disease including normal oral mucosa, precancerous lesions and oral squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical method was used to determine the expression of Cx43 in various stages of oral carcinogenesis. RESULTS: In the normal rat lingual mucosa, immunohistochemical staining of Cx43 protein was mainly found in the cell membrane, weakly positive in the basal cell layer, increased in stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum, but was negative in the stratum corneum of normal epithelia. Compared with normal epithelia, was significantly decreased in dysplastic and cancerous oral epithelia the staining. The positive rates of Cx43 were respectively 100.00% (10/10), 85.71% (12/14), 66.67% (8/12), 40.00% (4/10), and 33.33% (4/12) in tongue carcinogenesis (in normal, mild, moderate and severe dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma tissues). The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Expression level of Cx43 protein was dramatically decreased with the development of rat tongue carcinoma induced by 4NQO, suggesting that abnormal expression of Cx43 protein is involved in oral mucosa carcinogenesis. Decreased Cx43 expression is an early sign of oral mucosa carcinogenesis.

[Effects of carbon disulfide exposure during peri-implantation on estrogen receptor-α expression in uterus and serum level of estrogen in pregnant mice].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) exposure during peri-implantation on the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) expression in the uterus and serum level of estradiol (E(2)) in pregnant mice, and to explore the mechanism of embryotoxicity of CS(2). METHODS: Healthy female mice were exposed to a single dose of CS(2) (631.4 mg/kg) or olive oil (solvent control) on gestational day (GD)3, GD4, GD5, or GD6. At different time points after exposure, the serum E(2) levels of the pregnant mice were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the expression levels of ER-α in the uterus were measured by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the GD3, GD4, GD5, and GD6 exposure groups showed significantly decreased serum E(2) levels on day 7 of gestation (P < 0.05); the GD3 and GD5 exposure groups showed significantly decreased serum E(2) levels on day 6 of gestation (P < 0.05). The expression level of ER-α in the GD 4 exposure group was 23.6% lower than that in the control group on day 5 of gestation, and the expression level of ER-α in the GD 5 exposure group was 72.9% lower than that in the control group on day 6 of gestation (P < 0.05); the GD 3 and GD 6 exposure groups showed lower expression levels of ER-α than the control group at any time point, but no significant difference was found (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CS(2) exposure during peri-implantation can reduce the ER-α expression in the uterus and the serum level of E(2) in pregnant mice, which may be one of the mechanisms of embryotoxicity of CS(2).

[The epidemic situation of metabolic syndrome among the Uygur in Kashgar of Xinjiang in 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the prevalence and risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) in Xinjiang Uygur adults. METHODS: With cluster random sampling, investigations including questionnaire, physical examination and blood testing were performed among 3442 Uygur adults among in Kashgar of Xinjiang on November 2010. Prevalence of MS in groups with different characteristics were calculated and non-conditional logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the risk factors. RESULTS: The prevalence of MS was 21.2% (728/3442), and the age-adjusted prevalence was 18.5%. The prevalence among males and females was 14.5% (245/1694) (age-adjusted prevalence 12.7%) and 27.6% (483/1748) (age-adjusted prevalence 24.4%) respectively (P < 0.05). The prevalence of MS among 18 to 24 years old and 65 years old and above were 4.3% (21/490) and 28.9% (109/377) respectively. The prevalence of MS increased with age (χ(2) = 204.13, P < 0.05). The prevalence of low blood HDL-C, central obesity, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperglycemia was 57.5% (1978/3442), 44.5% (1531/3442), 27.5% (948/3442), 20.2% (696/3442) and 8.6% (297/3442) respectively. Compared to age group 18 - 24, the risk of MS occurrence was higher in age group 25 - 34, 35 - 44, 45 - 54, 55 - 64 and 65 years-old above, the according OR (95%CI) values were 2.29 (1.38 - 3.81), 6.91 (4.31 - 11.09), 10.81 (6.72 - 17.40), 12.52 (7.74 - 20.26) and 10.20 (6.20 - 16.78), respectively. Smoking also increased the risk of MS (OR = 2.35, 95%CI: 1.64 - 3.37). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MS in Xinjiang Uygur was in high level; The prevalence of MS is higher in female than in male; The risk factors of MS included female, age and smoking.

[Simultaneous remediation of Cr (VI) and p-NCB by nanosacle iron].

Nanoscale Fe and Ni/Fe, which were prepared by chemical deposition, were utilized as catalyst for remediation of Cr(VI) and pNCB in contaminated water. The interactions between Cr( VI) and p-NCB in contaminated water during the simultaneous remediation process were analyzed. It is demonstrated from the experiment that p-NCB can be degradated into p-CAN by nanoscale iron, but cannot exhibit the effect of dechlorination, and that there is a competitive relationship between Cr( VI) and p-NCB in the remediation process. The nanoscale Nil Fe bimetals could be applied in simultaneous remediation of p-NCB with Cr( VI) and give rise to a good remediation efficiency, where the products are only Cr(III) and p-CAN without any intermediate products. It was found that the conditions of higher Ni(II) concentration can promote the degradation rate of p-NCB. The optimum Ni/Fe ratio is 1:50. Whereas, the higher concentrations of Cr(VI) and p-NCB will lead to the lower degradation rate. Under the condition that concentration of Cr (VI) was 20 mg/L, the corresponding maximum dechlorination of p-NCB was 43.0%; under the condition that concentration of p-NCB was 40 mg/L, the corresponding maximum removal efficiency of Cr(VI) was 71.4%.

[Expression of survivin and caspase-3 during the development process in rat cochlea].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of some apoptosis regulators during the development in rat cochlea. METHODS: The morphological development process of cochlea was observed in Wistar rat aged between embryo day 13 to postnatal day 14 in this experiment. Survivin and caspase-3 were respectively detected at protein and mRNA levels by immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The expression of survivin and caspase-3 located in the bottom wall of the cochlear duct. Not only they widespread in the cell proliferation, but also they gradually enhanced in the cell differentiation. Both of them had a crest-time, and survivin was prior to caspase-3. In organ of corti during adult time, caspase-3 was not present and survivin was only expressed. CONCLUSIONS: During the development of the rat cochlea, both of them had similar location and trend. But they were derangement. This showed that both of them participated in the cochlear morphological development. It was suggested that the interaction between survivin and caspase-3 regulated the apoptosis, promoted the cochlear morphological development.

[Anti-glioma activity of treatment by bone marrow stromal cells transfected with HSV-tk in the rat].

OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-glioma activity of treatment by bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) transfected with AdCMV-tk containing HSV-tk gene in rats. METHODS: Primary cultured BMSCs were obtained and transfected with HSV-tk (BMSCs/tk) and were injected into contralateral brain of glioma-bearing rats to observe their tropism for glioma cells. RT-PCR was performed to examine the transduct of tk gene after it was transduced into BMSCs. C6 glioma cells were co-cultured with BMSCs transfected with HSV-tk. MTT test was performed to examine its antitumor activity. BMSCs, after being transfected with HSV-tk, were injected into contralateral brain tissue of glioma-bearing rats to show their in vivo antitumor activity. Dynamic MRI was performed to monitor the development of intracranial glioma. RESULTS: Purified BMSCs were obtained by primary cultured bone marrow cells. After being transfected with HSV-TK, the cells still stably displayed extensive tropism for intracranial glioma and transcripted tk gene. RT-PCR showed that BMSCs/tk were transduced tk gene obviously at 21 days after AdCMV-tk transfection. BMSCs/tk showed a clear bystander effect after being co-cultured with C6 glioma cells in vitro. TUNEL assay showed that BMSCs/tk could obviously show bystander effect and induce apoptosis of glioma cells in vivo with an apoptosis positive ratio of 20.38% +/- 2.57%, showing a statistically significant difference in comparison with BMSCs group (2.56% +/- 0.52%, P = 0.023) and control group (2.74% +/- 0.38%, P = 0.025). Compared with the control group (21.40 +/- 1.63 days), BMSCs/tk transplantation significantly prolonged the survival time of glioma-bearing rats (52.60 +/- 13.11 days, P = 0.000). MRI detection showed that the least volume of intracranial glioma in BMSCs/tk group (8.28 +/- 2.64 mm3), significantly smaller than that in BMSCs group (134.51 +/- 16.37 mm3, P = 0.001) and control group (147.22 +/- 31.05 mm3, P = 0.001). Some of the intracranial gliomaa disappeared after transplantation of BMSCs/tk. CONCLUSION: BMSCs transfected with AdCMV-tk may become an effective therapy method in the treatment for glioma.

[Effect of bone marrow stromal cells transfected with interleukin 18 on growth of intracranial glioma in rats].

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Because of the invasion and immune escape characteristics, surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy had no definite curative effects on intracranial glioma. Because bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can track migrating cells, and interleukin 18 (IL-18) can enhance antitumor immune reaction, this study was to explore the effect of IL-18-transfected BMSCs on growth of glioma in rats. METHODS: Pure BMSCs were obtained by culturing rat bone marrow cells and identified by flow cytometry (FCM). BMSCs were transfected with retrovirus LXSN/IL-18 to prepare BMSCs/IL-18. IL-18 genetic transcription and expression were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunofluorescence. The characteristic variations of BMSCs were detected by MTT assay, FCM, and immunofluorescence. The effect of BMSCs/IL-18 on activation of T cells was evaluated by ELISA. Glioma-bearing rats were divided into BMSCs group, BMSCs/IL-18 group, PBS group, and control group and received relevant treatments. The effect of BMSCs/IL-18 on growth of glioma was observed. RESULTS: IL-18 gene was expressed stably in BMSCs/IL-18. The proliferation speed of BMSCs/IL-18 was slower than that of BMSCs. The secretion of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) from rat spleen lymphocytes in BMSCs/IL-18 group was 9 times more than that in BMSCs group. Tumor volume was (18.26+/-6.84) mm(3) in BMSCs group, (6.37+/-1.52) mm(3) in BMSCs/IL-18 group, (22.48+/-6.02) mm(3) in PBS group, and (21.06+/-5.83) mm(3) in control group; survival time of the rats was (25.3+/-6.4) days, (84.7+/-16.3) days, (21.6+/-4.7) days, and (22.5+/-6.2) days, respectively. After transplantation of BMSCs/IL-18, CD4(+) T cells in glioma were increased to 37.7+/-3.5 and CD8(+) T cells were increased to 32.3+/-4.5 in each field of view (x200). CONCLUSION: BMSCs/IL-18 could express IL-18 gene stably, and have definite therapeutic effect on glioma in rats.